Bristol 871 Series Laser Wavelength Meter

The model 871A is the most precise, measuring wavelength to an accuracy of ± 0.2 parts per million (± 0.0001 nm at 500 nm). For experiments that are less exacting, the model 871B is a lower-priced alternative with an accuracy of ± 0.75 parts per million (± 0.001 nm at 1500 nm).

Automatic calibration with a built-in wavelength standard guarantees this performance to ensure the most meaningful experimental results.

The Fizeau etalons of the 871 Laser Wavelength Meter generate a spatial interferogram that is detected by a fast photodetector array. An on-board digital signal processor quickly converts the interferometric data to wavelength. Because this calculation is done within the instrument, a sustained measurement rate as high as 1 kHz is achieved.

The 871 Laser Wavelength Meter can measure the wavelength of every pulse of a laser that operates at repetition rates of ≤ 1 kHz. At higher repetition rates, the system integrates all laser pulses that arrive within the measurement window. In addition, the system’s time resolution of 1 ms provides the most detailed wavelength characterization of tunable lasers and fast feedback for laser wavelength stabilization. The 871 Laser Wavelength Meter operates with a PC connected directly by USB or through a local area network via Ethernet. Software is provided to control measurement parameters and to report wavelength data.

Since wavelength is calculated using an on-board digital signal processor, the 871 Laser Wavelength Meter can be integrated directly into an experiment using a library of commands for custom or LabVIEW programming. This eliminates the need for a dedicated PC and enables the use of any operating system.